A systematic comparison of Kapton-based HARE chips for fixed-target serial crystallography

• DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101987
• Publication Date: 2024-05-17T14:39:34Z
• Authors: Robert Bosman; Andreas Prester; Sihyun Sung; Lea von Soosten; Stella Dibenedetto; Kim Bartels; David von Stetten; Pedram Mehrabi; Marc Blatter; Gang Lu; Bernhard Suer; Matthias Wilmanns; Martin Osbild; Eike C. Schulz
• Keywords: Kapton

Fixed targets are a versatile sample delivery method for serial crystallography experiments and favorable choice regarding efficiency. The hit-and-return (HARE) chips utilize pyramidal-shaped features to pre-position crystals in regular pattern. Typically, these micron-sized chemically etched into single-crystal silicon wafers providing rigid mount with minimal background. As polymer emerging as an alternative, here we report the production of HARE identical micron accuracy by laser ablating Kapton foils. We systematically compare five different proteins using both chips. Comparing 15 structures, yield data quality that is comparable Therefore, propose viable cost-effective alternative support material.